2013 HOSA-OSG Internship August 5-9: Day 2

This morning we were privileged to meet the Acting Surgeon General Boris Lushniak and the Acting Deputy Surgeon General Scott Giberson. It was a round table setting and we were able to speak freely and openly with questions and comments. IT WAS AMAZING!

RADM Scott Giberson initiated the dialogue. With a background in pharmacy and international health, overseas experiences in 23 countries, and leadership in bioterrorism of a unit in 2002 and later 5 states, RADM Giberson clearly spoke from the heart when he offered us valuable pieces of advice, including his recipe for success, whose ingredients include “hard work, timing, luck and never saying no.” He reminded us that we should pace ourselves and not be afraid when trying to advance our portfolio, that often we find success and immense potential in areas in which we were previously uncomfortable.

Interestingly enough, RADM Boris Lushniak had achieved his success and position through a very different route but using a very similar personal philosophy. After completing a 6-year medical program, obtaining his master’s degree in public health, and completing a residency in family practice, followed by work in the Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC, dermatology, occupational medicine, counter terrorism, and FDA, and eventually becoming the ASG, Lushniak had learned that “the key to moving forward is to never think that once you become something, that is it.” One has to reassess himself every 5 years and continue with life and goals.

ASG Lushniak also talked about the importance of camaraderie and support structures, which are needed in stressful situations to dilute and share some of the burdens of overwhelming stress. At other times, it may be necessary to be the support structure for someone else as well.

About the USPHS specifically, he reminded us that the United States is the only nation to have a uniformed service in public health, and it deserves to be so because these forces are just as proud to serve and protect their nation using hypodermic needles instead of missiles and vaccines instead of bombs. It humbles him to serve his officers. When asked about entry into the PHS, he stated some requirements: One must be younger than 44 upon entry, with at least a Master’s or Doctorate level degree, having served the underserved and/or vulnerable, physically fit and medically clear. There is NOT a shortage of people meeting these qualifications, so that all prospective employees are forced to step up their game.

He left us with some final golden advice: "Life is the ability to tell stories about what you have done. Live your life like a story book, filled with excitement."

We then were able to attend the Office of the Surgeon General Promotion and Awards Ceremony. This was a ceremony that recognized officers moving up in rank and others with special commendations and certificates of appreciation from RADM Boris Lushniak. There were many officers present as well as their families and their work was being recognized in a very special way. This occasion also allowed all to reminisce on the fact that the USPHS was a very different, unorganized entity only 20 years before- “people in costumes,” as was once described by a friend of Lushniak. Now, it has evolved into an organization of people with “dedication and mission.”

The promotions, awards and certificates were given and we all had an opportunity to get our picture taken with the ASG. He was so humble and willing. It was truly a great morning. The most amazing part of it was that when we would shake his hand to thank him, he would thank US! He thanked Mrs. Lisa Cranford for being a mentor to students, which greatly stunned her but inspired her to keep changing lives, one at a time.

We then got to meet with Captain Reed. He spent many years as a Navy Pediatrician. His background included an advisory committee overseeing cases of child abuse with the Family Advocacy Program, years in pediatric rheumatology, years as the administrator of a pediatric unit in Bethesda, and finally humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the USPHS.

He told us that we are often called to do things that we are not trained to do, but through these we find that we have the capacity we never imagined we have.

His main topic of conversation, however, was about Strategic Development. Dwight Eisenhower once said that “planning is everything and a plan is nothing.” He talked about how circumstances are never what they are planned to be, about looking over the horizon instead of at all the deficits to be fixed. Bottom line: Use Future Based Thinking. This creates methods and approaches to get out of the here and now and to what we could be. Ask…”so what?” meaning “what is the essence, meaning, nad value of this?” This encourages Strategic thought.

He then continued to explain how to make The Elevator Speech, a 30 to 45 second introduction meant to not only make an impression, but leave an impression and make someone seek out the information you carry. How do we do this? Answer: Speak sincerely! Share something personal related to the subject and then drive it home. Say it from the heart. It shows you believe in what you are saying. You won’t hook someone with facts. First relate personally, then they will ask you for the facts. Talk about what you love and the things that mean something to you. Perhaps use a vision statement, one which creates an image in the mind

CAPT Reed’s final word of advice- “Realize you are going to fail.”

We then met with LCDR Tracy Branch with the Office of Minority Health. She gave us many statistics and factual information on her office, their work with the community and populations, and their initiatives. She had a wealth of information about research and assistance for students as well. She discussed the Affordable Care Act and clarified many aspects of it for us.

All in all, today was an inspirational day for us all, full of varied and humble advice. Of course, it was an extreme honor to meet those who have achieved ranks that truly reflect the quality of service they have provided us, our nation, and humanity.